Muqtada's Friday Sermon: Marines should Surrender

[Aidoneus]

Muqtada's Friday Sermon: Marines should Surrender

Muqtada al-Sadr announced in his Friday prayers sermon at Kufa on Friday that "truce negotiations (with the American forces) are useless," and that he will not dissolve the Mahdi Army. He called on the nations that have forces in Iraq to desert the United States "to battle by itself." He demanded that occupation troops surrender themselves and their weapons.

At the same time, mediators announced that the negotiations have stumbled because the Coalition forces have put conditions on them that the religious leadership in Najaf considers "crippling."

In the first sermon he has preached in the Kufa mosque since the outbreak of hostilities between his Mahdi Army and Coalition forces, he said that "These events have brought to light dirty tricks, and have made it possible to distinguish between the truth and falsehood. I say that they intend to stay for many long years and are strengthening their positions, and there is no use to truce negotiations with them." He added, "America does not distinguish between small and large (sins?) under the pretext of freedom and democracy, but what democracy is this, and what liberty? Do not let their words seduce you, for they claim that they are going to surrender sovereignty and form an (Iraqi) government . . . Some accuse me of having delayed the transfer of sovereignty to Iraqis and the formation of a transitional Iraqi government. I say, yes, I have delayed the sale of Iraq and the planting of a lackey government . . . We shall never permit these forces to enter this city of Najaf or the holy sites, for they are forbidden to them."

--snip--

http://www.juancole.com/2004_04_01_juancole_archive.html#108218440905711028

on the side, this mentions something else in passing that is really interesting--I didn't know his wife's father was Mohammed Baqir al-Sadr. This man, martyred by Saddam about 25yrs ago, was perhaps the most influential Shiite figure in the last thousand years. It's amazing how much weight has been forced onto Muqtada's back, yet he is withstanding it quite well actually (a bit erratic, but he'll grow into the position when the ground beneath his feet is more solid).

[acmavm]

1. I would say that the young muslim cleric is doing pretty well for himself

right now. He's a cagey one. I still believe that the idiots in the IGC and Bremer forced him into this fight, but like all their other plans, schemes, and dreams, this one bellied up on them too.

He's playing his cards very well, close to his chest. He knows how to make his followers willing to do his bidding, even die for him. Moving into Najaf was just another master stroke by this guy. We go into Najaf, and we're toast in the Middle East. It's as if someone went into the Vatican and offed or arrested the pope (for Catholics) or went into Canterbury and nabbed the head of the Anglican Church. Nice move, very well thought out. Guaranteed to gain him followers if not because of himself, but because of the holy city of Najaf.

I have to tell you, I'm impressed. Even dressing in his white shroud showing that he's willing to be martyred for the cause

Unhappily it means that more of our poor boys and girls will die, and we will become a target for Islamic terrorists from now until hell freezes over. All because some delusional assholes thought they had the perfect plan for world conquest. Gee, shock and awe? The only shock so far has been how badly it's gone, and as for the awe part, the ignorance of the bush* maladministration is truly mind boggling.

[Laughing Mirror]

2. "Target for Islamic terrorists?"

Just who is the terrorist here, or rather there?

If you have a bunch of invaders trying to steal your land and resources and install their military bases and impose their awful selves on your land, murdering your people, bombing your houses of worship, and you fight back, you are a resistance fighter. The people attacking you are the terrorists. Let us get this straight once and for all.

[mmm]

3. This man ain't stupid...

and Sistani will back him because, at very least, he must.